HARPER WELCOMES TRANSPORT STUDY PROGRESS

SNP MSP Emma Harper has welcomed news that a contractor has been named to take forward a study looking at improving transport provision in the south west of Scotland.

Transport Scotland announced the intention to award the contract for the work to AECOM Ltd.

The study will have a particular focus on access to the ports at Cairnryan.

Subject to completion of the mandatory standstill period, the study will start in April and is expected to report in Winter 18/19. The findings will help inform the forthcoming review of Scottish Government’s transport investment priorities through the second Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR) which will be aligned with the next National Planning Framework and will consider future opportunities across the whole of Scotland.

Transport Minister, Humza Yousaf said:

“In the Programme for Government the Scottish Government re-affirmed the commitment to commence work for the second Strategic Transport Projects Review in the Dumfries and Galloway area. This would include a specific focus on the ports at Cairnryan.

“This study will take forward that commitment by considering how we can improve road, rail, public transport and active travel on the key strategic corridors including the A75, A76, A77 and A701 together with the railway corridors to Stranraer and Carlisle via Kilmarnock and Dumfries.

South Scotland MSP Emma Harper added:

“I am working closely with local campaigners who are asking for major improvements to road networks, and fully support their aims which include upgrades to the A75, A76, A77. I have been engaging with the Transport Minister and his team since my election to pursue these issues, and welcome this latest development.

“I look forward to continuing my work with Mr Yousaf and my constituents going forward – and would remind people that they can still make their views known by feeding into the National Transport Strategy Review.”

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